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The festival
The Art Explora Festival is a traveling festival that crisscrosses the seas and oceans aboard the world’s first museum ship, offering innovative artistic and cultural experiences that are free to the public. After its inaugural voyage in the Mediterranean, the festival is setting sail for other seas and oceans for a season entirely dedicated to the oceans. At each port of call, the program is tailored to the local area and partners: some experiences are offered at every stop, while others vary from one host city to another.
The museum boat
This catamaran is the world’s first museum ship. Designed by architects Axel de Beaufort and Guillaume Verdier, it was built at the Perini Navi shipyard in Italy. It meets ambitious technological requirements as well as those for accommodating visitors on board. Measuring 47 meters in length and reaching a height of 55 meters, the museum ship can accommodate up to 3,000 visitors per day. On board, visitors are invited to explore an exhibition and immersive experiences free of charge.
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EXPERIENCES ON THE DOCK
On the docks, the Art Explora Festival offers a variety of experiences designed to revitalize the dialogue between the arts and the public, combining education, artistic discovery, and technology. Virtual reality, immersive video, and sound experiences invitevisitors to explore the marine world in new ways. In addition, there is an outdoor photography exhibition based on the underwater scientific expedition work of Under The Pole, which showcases science, life on board, and the polar seafloor through the lens of explorer-photographer Franck Gazzola.
The workshops
Engaging the public is at the heart of the festival’s mission. The educational programs foster dialogue between artistic and scientific perspectives and provide accessible insights for all audiences. From creative arts workshops and marine ecosystem awareness workshops to guided tours and storytelling sessions, the program is designed in collaboration with local stakeholders at each stop.
LIVE PROGRAMME
Each host city hosts a free, multi-disciplinary festival lasting around ten days, which takes place on a large stage set up alongside the boat, as well as in the city's emblematic venues and local institutions.
At Art Explora's invitation, a local curator of international renown develops a multidisciplinary cultural program featuring performances, concerts, lectures, film screenings, dance shows, DJ sets, workshops and meetings on different themes, with a fresh approach at each stage.
SPENDING TIME AT THE FESTIVAL
Beyond the artistic experience, the festival is designed to be a lively gathering place. Near the museum ship, a chill area, free-to-play games, and a food court featuring food trucks invite visitors to hang out and continue exploring throughout the day.